NEW EUROPEAN RS CHERRY-PICKS THE BEST OF THE CLASSIC PORSCHE 911
Classic car restoration specialist Thornley Kelham has revealed the latest car in its ‘European’ restomod series.
The European RS has been designed by the Cotswolds-based company to combine the characteristics of the greatest Porsche 911 road cars.
Fully restored – and suitably enhanced – the RS is the first car in Thornley Kelham’s European programme to hit the streets.
Customer examples of other European restomods, including the Porsche 356 and Jaguar XK120, are due for completion later this year.
Light is right
Thornley Kelham uses a pre-1989 ‘G series’ Porsche 911 chassis as the basis for the European RS. This is then lengthened by 19mm and widened by a substantial 220mm, providing the car with a better stance and benefiting its dynamics.
Bespoke front and rear bumpers are fitted, along with a ducktail rear spoiler that channels the look of the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS and 2.8 RSR models.
Carbon fibre and aluminium is used extensively for the bodywork, while polycarbonate replaces glass for the side windows. The result is a kerb weight of just 1,070kg – some 300kg less than a stock 964-generation 911.
All of the bodywork on the European RS is finished by hand, requiring some 2,500 hours alone. The total restoration and build time amounts to 6,000 hours.
A real rev-elation
Those fortunate enough to commission a Thornley Kelham European RS can choose a variety of engine options to power their completed car.
The ‘standard’ version comes with a hand-built 3.8-litre flat-six engine, with billet aluminium cylinder heads and forged pistons. Individual throttle bodies allow for a peak output of 385hp, with an accompanying 290lb ft of torque.
Customers can also specify a 4.0-litre 24-valve flat-six, which delivers 400hp and plenty of low-down torque. Or there is a special 3.6-litre engine that can rev to a dizzying 10,000rpm – with an optional F1-grade Inconel exhaust system also available.
A Porsche ‘G50’ six-speed manual gearbox is used with all engines, along with a Wavetrac limited-slip differential. Upgraded brakes are fitted, plus there is the option of a carbon-ceramic setup to save a further 17kg.
Bespoke front wishbone suspension is based upon a modern Porsche 911 GT3 design, with JRZ Motorsport adjustable coilovers and Eibach springs. A new Quaife steering rack has the option of electric power assistance.
Who needs CarPlay here?
The 18-inch Fikse FFR alloys are inspired by the Fuchs wheels found on many classic 911s. They come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, but stickier, track-biased Michelin Cup 2 tyres are on the options list.
A Momo Prototipo Black Edition steering wheel is one of the highlights inside the cabin, along with a pair of one-piece carbon fibre Recaro bucket seats. Thornley Kelham has also repositioned the gear lever and updated the dashboard gauges.
The European RS comes with the benefit of climate control, using a system that weighs just 14kg. An optional Porsche PCCM infotainment system brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
However, with the enhanced flat-six engine right behind your ears, listening to Spotify is likely to be less of a priority here…
Combining the 911’s best bits
Those interested in their own European RS can contact Thornley Kelham now. Production will be capped at 25 examples, with prices from around £580,000.
Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: “The European RS combines the pure engagement of the original 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS, but comes complete with a lightweight, handcrafted body and reimagined, driver-focused interior.
“This is a truly unique car imbued with the nuanced dynamics and feedback of the legendary 2.7 RS, the thrill of the 2.8 RSR, and the performance, precision and progressive handling of the legendary 997 GT3 RS 4.0.”
We’ll soon have the chance to drive the European RS, and discover whether it can match up to the benchmarks set by such icons. Come back to Motoring Research soon for the review.
2024-07-25T10:59:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd